A delegation of Indian officials led by Honourable Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Housing & Urban Affairs, visited the construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
He was welcomed and guided by Brahmaviharidas Swami and the board of directors.
The visiting minister was impressed by this historic and iconic project which reflects the strong ties between UAE and India, and their peoples from all faiths and backgrounds. He said, “At a time when this message is most needed, this mandir reminds the world about the necessity of tolerance and harmony between people, faiths and cultures.”
The minister thanked the BAPS Sanstha for its selfless services worldwide, and His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and for their vision and staunch support for this project.
As part of his visit he participated in the Shila Sthapan Ceremony by carrying and placing a brick on the mandir plinth.
Also, the minister viewed the on-site ‘Rivers of Harmony’ exhibition that presents the harmonious purpose, history and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, as well as the critical community work, including the COVID-19 relief aid, carried out by BAPS.